This text exchange from a fireman at Tianjin explosion will bring you to tears

CCTV News

The Wednesday explosion in Tianjin took the lives of 50 people, including 17 firefighters, the youngest of whom was only 18 years old. Dozens of firefighters are still unaccounted for.

One image that has been shared thousands of times on Chinese social media is screenshot of a text exchange on the messaging application WeChat between one unnamed fireman and his friend. It was reported that the fireman survived.

Read the exchange:

1:48 am

Fireman:

Are you here bro?

Friend:

Here, Here
What happened?

1:52 a.m.

Fireman:

My phone can’t get any calls out
Gangzi just passed away
He died, He died

1:53 a.m.

Friend:

Are kidding me?
Where are you?

Fireman:

I’m in the car to Tanku… Tangu

Friend:

Please call me right now

Fireman:

I’m wearing all my gear, I’m the only person with a phone

Friend:

Then please call me immediately tomorrow when you get home

Fireman:

If I don’t come back, My father is your father
Remember to visit my mother’s grave

Friend:

OK, your dad is my dad
Please take care

Tianjin firemen risk lives in explosion rescue efforts

Tianjin firemen risk lives in explosion rescue efforts

Tianijn firemen conduct rescue efforts in the chemical explosion in the port city on August 12.